Quantum Critical Metals Achieves 93% Gallium Recovery from Mica, Paving Way for North American Supply
TL;DR
Quantum Critical Metals Corp achieves 93% gallium recovery, positioning it as a domestic supplier to reduce reliance on Chinese exports and strengthen Western supply chains.
Quantum recovered 93% gallium from mica samples using acid baking and leaching processes, demonstrating direct extraction from an unconventional source.
This breakthrough supports North America's critical metals independence, enhancing national security and enabling sustainable technology development for future generations.
Quantum discovered how to extract gallium directly from mica, traditionally only recovered as a byproduct, opening new possibilities for critical metal sourcing.
Found this article helpful?
Share it with your network and spread the knowledge!
Quantum Critical Metals Corp. has reported a 93% gallium recovery rate from preliminary bench-scale metallurgical test work on mica samples from its NMX East Project in Québec's James Bay region. This breakthrough indicates the potential for mica to become a significant new source of gallium, a critical metal essential for semiconductors, 5G technology, defense systems, and renewable energy applications.
The achievement represents a strategic advancement in North America's critical metals supply chain security. Traditionally, gallium is recovered as a byproduct of bauxite or zinc processing, making Quantum one of the first companies to demonstrate successful direct recovery from mica. This unconventional approach to gallium extraction could reshape global supply dynamics at a time when Western nations are seeking alternatives to Chinese-dominated supply chains.
China's recent export controls on gallium have created global supply disruptions, highlighting the vulnerability of Western technology and defense sectors. Quantum's successful metallurgical work strengthens Canada's strategic position in securing Western access to essential materials. The company's early focus on metallurgical optimization and critical metal extraction positions it as a front-runner in developing domestic gallium supply capabilities.
Recent studies have shown that through acid baking and leaching of floatation concentrations, mica-hosted gallium recovery is achievable, as demonstrated by Quantum's test results. The NMX East project, historically explored for lithium potential in pegmatites, has revealed significant gallium associations within the same geological formations. The project's strategic location near other developing polymetallic discoveries, including Power Metallic Mines Inc.'s expanded land position, underscores the broader region's potential for critical metals exploration.
Marcy Kiesman, CEO of Quantum Critical Metals Corp., emphasized the strategic significance of the 93% recovery rate. The next critical step involves validating the process at scale to establish Canada as a domestic gallium supplier for North America. A reliable domestic gallium supply would reduce dependence on Chinese exports and strengthen Western national security by securing the critical metals value chain. The company maintains detailed information on its projects and developments available through https://www.quantumcriticalmetals.com and regulatory filings at https://www.sedarplus.com.
This development comes as global demand for gallium continues to rise, driven by expanding semiconductor manufacturing, 5G network deployment, and renewable energy technologies. The successful recovery from mica represents not just a technical achievement but a potential paradigm shift in how critical metals are sourced and processed, offering new pathways for supply chain diversification and technological independence.
Curated from NewMediaWire
